Microsoft's decision to deliver the first iteration of Azure Stack only to engineered systems from Dell, HPE and Lenovo surprised some customers and partners, but the company believes it will ensure a more consistent and reliable experience.

The on-premises and cloud editions of Skype for Business Server and the Cloud PBX are promising and less-expensive alternatives to traditional phone systems, but come in a complex array of options and require integration.

Blockchain is poised to play dual roles that are much more significant than its cryptocurrency beginnings: disrupting conventional commerce, funds exchanges and payments, and establishing sovereign identity credentials at birth -- saving lives and undermining ID theft.